Visit to Israel by Houstonians comes with state at critical juncture

Transformations are under way on myriad issues in Arab world

By Lee Wunsch |
February 28, 2013
| Updated: February 28, 2013 7:04pm

In the coming days, more than 150 individuals, reflecting a diverse cross section of Houston's Jewish community, will arrive in Israel on a biennial trip sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston. These Houstonians, all active members of the Jewish community but mostly first time travelers to Israel, will experience the sights and sounds of Israel, express their solidarity with the people of Israel, and see first-hand how financial support from the Jewish Federation provides an array of human service and educational programs in Israel.

In ordinary times, a group of American Jews going to Israel would be routine. But, as is often the case, these are not ordinary times. This group will be arriving in Israel during four critical junctures in the history of the State of Israel.

First, Israel, a vibrant, robust western-style democracy, just held elections. Benjamin Netanyahu won re-election as prime minister and has now been charged to assemble the governing coalition.

About 34 political parties espoused at least that many views on the many domestic and security challenges facing the Jewish state. An abundance of independent newspapers and television commentators critiqued the politicians and offered their views as well. What became very clear during this recent election is that security was not a current priority as there is little Israel can do to impact the massive upheaval and changes occurring in the Arab world.

What was and remains a priority is the domestic fabric of the country as today, with the exception of the threat from Iran, Israelis are feeling safe and are more concerned about economic, social and religious issues. It is very probable that the announcement of the new coalition will occur literally as this group of Houstonians arrives in Israel and will be the subject of continued debate even as the group traverses the entirety of the Jewish state and interacts with Israelis from across the political spectrum.

Second, the shadow of Iran's nuclear weapons ambitions continues to weigh heavily on the leaders of Israel. Iran's goals are very clear. What is less clear is the response of the State of Israel to those goals and how the United States views parallel those of Prime Minister Netanyahu and the potential governing coalition. Those discussions continue and will also be ever-present as Houstonians land in Israel.

Third, the Arab Spring has morphed into something else. Syria is in an all-out civil war with no end in sight. Egypt is struggling to determine its future as an Islamic-dominated government fully aligned with the terrorist organization Hamas. This struggle is occurring as Egypt balances its desires to create a Sharia-controlled state while needing to maintain its existing alliances with the West. Jordan is facing an uncertain future as those promoting the Arab Spring would like nothing better than to destabilize the monarchy. Turkey is jockeying for greater dominance across the Middle East. And, Israel's negotiations with the Palestinians have been at a standstill for two years because of the Palestinians refusal to return to the negotiating table and their own internal divisions. The implications for Israel are far-ranging and difficult, at best. These Houstonians will hear about these issues, as well.

Fourth, President Barack Obama is planning his first visit, as president, to Israel on March 20, just a few days after the group has returned to the United States. And, while presidential visits usually occur when there is some pending breakthrough in a peace process that is not the case in advance of President Obama's visit.

Though Israel will extend a warm welcome to President Obama, there are many questions as to the particular timing of his visit and what will be the outcome of his many discussions with the prime minister and others with whom he will meet. His visit will also be the subject of much debate when these 150 Houstonians land in Israel.

A visit to Israel by an American Jew is quite often a transformational experience for that individual. A visit to Israel reinforces the deepest of bonds between Jews and the place that is at the very epicenter of Jewish belief. During this upcoming trip, Houstonians will witness another transformation in progress as well and that includes the political landscape of Israel and the revolutions occurring in the Arab world.

Lee Wunsch is the president and chief executive officer of the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston.